Rib stitching vs rivets

[aflyer]

Hi all. I am new to the fabric covering world.

Can you give me some info on the pro's and con's of rib stitching vs riveting? Looking at videos out there, the end result of stitching looks smoother and more finished.

I know the factory is now riveting. Is that just because it is easier, or is it also better?

Thanks in advance, John

[40m]

Hi all. I am new to the fabric covering world.

Can you give me some info on the pro's and con's of rib stitching vs riveting? Looking at videos out there, the end result of stitching looks smoother and more finished.

I know the factory is now riveting. Is that just because it is easier, or is it also better?

Thanks in advance, John

You might also check Super Cub Forum.

[Clay Hammond]

For the factory it is no doubt cheaper and quicker to rivet. What is your time worth to you. Is your build about the journey or the destination? Either method is perfectly acceptable, you have to decide what kind of look you are going for.

[TroyBranch]

Rib stitching:
Leaves a much smaller bump when adding the tapes.
Looks nice
Easier to remove fabric as you just cut the line verses drill the rivet
You should have two people to make the lacing as fast a possible. Hard to reach far side of wing.
Takes more time to install.

Rivets:
More work to iron around each rivet for a nice look or the tapes
You have to drill each Rivet to remove fabric
Easier to install alone
Way faster over all and the ribs are design for rivets

I riveted as it was much faster. I have rib laced other aircraft but rivets are just so easy.
I don't think there is one any less strong over the other.

[eric.leaver]

Rib stitching:
Leaves a much smaller bump when adding the tapes.
Looks nice
Easier to remove fabric as you just cut the line verses drill the rivet
You should have two people to make the lacing as fast a possible. Hard to reach far side of wing.
Takes more time to install.

Rivets:
More work to iron around each rivet for a nice look or the tapes
You have to drill each Rivet to remove fabric
Easier to install alone
Way faster over all and the ribs are design for rivets

I riveted as it was much faster. I have rib laced other aircraft but rivets are just so easy.
I don't think there is one any less strong over the other.

Rivets provide a more uniform loading of the rib as they transfer the lift generated by the wing to the top and bottom of the rib. With lacing, all the load goes through the lace to the bottom part of the rib. Lace stretches as well.

[aflyer]

Thanks guys. Sounds pretty even between the two. I would like to fly, so I guess I'll use the rivets.

John